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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Emerald Sky

24th Nov 26

7 Nights

From

£2,507PP

Itinerary
Ship

Budapest, Hungary

Fly from selected UK airport to Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board.

Budapest, Hungary

Join a local guide for a tour of the Hungarian capital today, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the stalls of Budapest’s main Christmas market, where handcrafted ornaments are plentiful and colorful strings of lights line the streets.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Across Europe, different cultures intertwine at Christmastime, sharing their traditions, treats, and unique customs. The Slovakian capital is a truly charming city whose roots can be traced across the continent. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bratislava, including its enchanting historic district and some of its many bustling Christmas markets.

Vienna, Austria

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city perfectly encapsulating the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their love of ornate Baroque palaces. For art lovers, there is no other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork, but because of its variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Durnstein, Austria

Enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Constructed in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from across the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries.

Linz, Austria

Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.

Passau, Germany

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies. Back on board your Star-Ship, enjoy a live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian tradition.

Passau > Munich, Germany

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of handcrafted ornaments and gingerbread stalls with you.

Why Book

Return Flights & Overseas Transfers
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship"
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
All tipping and gratuities
20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

Highlights Include:

Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Traditional Bavarian band on board
Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
Guided coach tour of Budapest
Walking tour of Bratislava
Vienna art tour with visit of Kunsthistorisches Museum
Guided tour of Passau

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Emerald Sky

Overview

The Emerald Waterways fleet welcomed Emerald Sky in 2014. Setting sail with a maximum of 182 guests onboard, you will soon be on first name terms with the crew and your fellow travelling companions. Life onboard is casual and relaxing - from gourmet culinary options and light entertainment to indulgent leisure facilities. Start the day with a leisurely breakfast as you make plans for your day. The Sun Deck is the hub of the ship whatever the weather, thanks to its retractable roof. Work on your tan on a deck chair or hit a ball around the golf putting green. Take a few turns around the walking track as you soak up the riverside views. Shape up with a workout in the fitness centre or take a dip in the heated pool. The ship drops anchor at a variety of ports along the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers, where you can explore famous sights on an included excursion or venture ashore alone by complimentary bike. The 92 staterooms and suites are spread across three beautifully appointed decks - the Horizon Deck has Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites, Grand Balcony Suites and the Owner's One-bedroom Suite; Vista Deck has Emerald Panorama Balcony Suites; and the Riviera Deck has Emerald Staterooms and Emerald Single Staterooms.

Food & Drink

Nothing beats sipping on your favourite drink at the Terrace as you watch the stunning scenery pass you by. Setting the benchmark in on board dining, the Reflections Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, imbued with continental flavours.

Explore the unique flavours of the regions you sail through

We believe that food should reflect local flavours, which is why our menus take inspiration from the regions we sail in. Our chefs source local ingredients, creating meals that capture authentic cuisine no matter where your journey takes you.

Entertainment

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

Emerald Sky - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Emerald Sky - Games Area and Golf Putting Green

Health & Fitness

If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.

Kids & Teens

Please note: Emerald Sky does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

Terms & Conditions

*Deposit required at time of booking. Reduced deposit available on new 2026 Europe river cruise bookings made 28th July – 31st October 2025 and is valid when booking with Best Available Fare only. Best Available Fare must be paid in full 10 months prior to departure, or at the time of booking if less than 10 months prior to departure. ~Savings are dependent on itinerary and departure date booked an apply to the cruise element only. ^Flights are included up to a credit amount of £500 per person. If credit is exceeded, a supplement will be charged. Full T&Cs apply.